The Chewsday Chats: Learn British English: Recent Episodes
Chris & James
Join us (Chris & James) each week as we explore different topics whilst using (real) British English. From looking at the different words English has borrowed from languages around the world, to what it really means to be British. Each week you will end the episode with lots more vocabulary. You will also gain more knowledge about UK culture, and a better understanding of common expressions actually used by native speakers. …and don't forget - all key words from each episode are in the notes!
We ho ho ho'pe you're excited - as it's the Christmas Special!
What does Christmas mean to Chris? Is there anything James really does not like about the festive period? Then in the Christmas Quiz, can you guess the country that spends the 25th December at KFC, and another where you will find pickles hanging on Christmas trees?
Want to chat? Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com
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Notes to follow :)
Chris & James are back to discuss the UK class system. Are they 'geezers' or 'chaps'? What's the difference between people in the middle classes vs the upper classes? And, most importantly, has Chris ever worn red trousers?
Plus we answer your questions in this week's Chewsday Chats.
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Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com
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Episode: Key Words
Part One
Laddish (adj, informal): a male person of any age from early boyhood
Hot toddie (noun): a usually hot drink consisting of liquor (such as rum), water, sugar, and spices
Posh (adj, british): someone or something that is expensive and elegant, typical of or intended for the upper classes
Posho (noun, informal): a person deemed post (see above)
Dress down (verb): to dress casually especially for reasons of fashion
Dress up (verb):to attire in best or formal clothes
Adulthood (noun): of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adults
Bygone (adj): past
Social mobility (noun): to gain a higher social position
Freudian slip (noun): a slip of the tongue that is motivated by and reveals some unconscious aspect of the mind
Cockney (adj, British): a native of London and especially of the East End of London
Scuttle off (phrasal verb): to move in or as if in a brisk pace
Geezer (British, informal): man
Trotter (noun): the foot of a pig
Bachelor (noun): an unmarried man
Vexed (adj): feeling or showing irritation, annoyance, or distress
Part Two
Boarding school (noun): a school where students sleep onsite
Fly the nest (expression): to leave one's family home
You call a spade a spade (idiom): to tell the truth as you see it, with directness
Partial to something (expression): like something
Minutiae (noun): minor detail
Part Three
Buzzing (adj, British, informal): excited, happy
Chuffed to bits (expression): happy or overjoyed
Legend (noun, British, informal): a good person
A good egg (noun, British, informal): a good person
Tosser (noun, British, slang, vulgar) : used to insult a person, describe a person as bad
A bad egg (noun, British): a bad person
Mate (noun, British, informal): often used as a familiar form of address, friend/buddy
Old Chap (noun, British): often used as a familiar form of address, friend/buddy
Beavering away (phrasal verb): working hard
Galavanting (verb, informal): to travel, roam, or move about for pleasure
Delve (verb): to dig or labor with or as if with a spade
Tara (interjection): goodbye
This week Chris and James discuss fighting! Is Chris argumentative or easy going? And does James ever fight about the where to go for a beer? Plus, what the hell is a 'barney'? Find out in this week's Chewsday Chats.
- Have a question or thought? Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com
- notes to follow
Today James & Chris are reunited to discuss crime! Why was James "arrested" in Japan? What crime did Chris commit as a child? Is it really illegal to be drunk in a pub? Find out all the answers in this week's Chewsday Chats!
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. Have a question? Email theChewsdaychats@gmail.com
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Notes to follow
Queens On A Roll
This podcast was created to educate & inspire people about the ably different...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
This week Chris talks discusses working remotely and the importance of having a work-life balance. We find out whether Chris enjoyed his time waitering at a local pizza restaurant. We also hear about the approach in Portugal to working remotely and getting that balance right. At the end you'll learn some tasty new idioms before we answer YOUR questions.
Do you wanna chat? email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com
Part One:
Work-life balance (noun): the division of one's time and focus between working and family or leisure activities
Implement (verb): put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
News bulletin (noun): a short radio or television broadcast of news report
Bus boy (American, noun): a young man who clears tables in a restaurant or cafe (a commis waiter in the UK).
To take someone to one side (phrase): speak to someone in private, especially so as to advise or warn them about something
Time to kill (idiom): to have nothing to do for a particular period
Tenacious (adj) : a desire to achieve or be successful (determined)
No leg to stand on (idiom): to have no support for what one thinks, says, or does
Part Two:
Comprehend (verb): to understand
Require (verb): to order someone to do something, especially due to a law or rule
Relief (noun): a feeling of happiness that something unpleasant has ended
Disconnect (verb): to take a break from something (such as work or screen time)
Expenses (noun): money that you can spend when doing your job
Quiz (True or False)
1. The new law will make it illegal for employers to contact workers outside of official working hours **True
2. The new law was created in order to protect workers in the Portuguese government False:** (it was created by the Portuguese government in order to protect remote workers)
3. A document states that workers that work during the night should work for at least 11 hours False: it states that workers need to have at least 11 uninterrupted hours of work during the night
- Employers will have to pay for some of their employees expenses according to the law True
- The law was voted on by the European parliament following a recent 'Right to Disconnect' law. False: The law follows a vote in the European parliament but was created by the Portuguese government
Bear in mind (phrase): remember a fact or circumstance and take it into account
**Part Three:
To corner the market (idiom): to dominate a particular area of the market
"**Amazon more or less corners the online retailing market"
To raise the bar (idiom): to set the highest standard
"iPhone raised the bar for iPhone makers"
UNBOUND: Saybrook Insights with President Nathan Long
Saybrook Insights is a podcast featuring education & community innovators!
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Many people are on strike across the UK right now. This ranges from workers at airlines, to train drivers. Is this understandable or simply selfish? We hear what James and the general public think about this. In Part 2 we test your listening skills with a quiz before finishing with the crowd-pleaser Idiom of the Week ! What do you think about today's topic of striking? What do you think about the new format of the pod? Tell us at **the chewsdaychats@gmail.com
Part One**
Strike (noun): a refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to gain a concession or concessions from their employer.
Disruption (noun): a situation in which it is difficult for something to continue in the normal way.
Disrupt (verb) - see above.
To down tools (idiom): to stop working, usually to strike
Backlash (noun): a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development.
Push against (something) (phrasal verb): To put constant forceful pressure on someone or something.
Commuter (noun): a person who travels for work.
On board (with something) (Phrasal verb): In agreement with; ready or willing to participate
Cost of living (phrase): the cost of everyday life.
Impact (verb):to affect something.
Drive (someone) to do something (verb): to force people to do something.
Side closer (with someone/something): to agree or support one person or thing more.
Knock-on effect (noun): something (such as a process, action, or event) that causes other things to happen.
Domino effect (noun): the situation in which one event causes a series of related events, one following another.
Selfless (adj): unselfish
Part TwoRubbish (informal, British): bad
Quiz:
1. True. Following a disagreement with British Airways, staff at Heathrow voted in favour of a strike.
2. False. Their salaries were cut at the height of the pandemic.
3. False. The strike is set to take place during the summer holidays.
4. True. Unions have pointed out that the bonus offered is one-off payment for this year only.
5. Not given. We are only told that the company owns British Airways.
Part ThreeStrike whilst the iron is hot (idiom): take advantage of an opportunity whist it exists (do not wait).
"There are lots of fish in the river today! Let's strike whilst the iron is hot!"Perpetually (adverb): constantly
Petrichor (noun): a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather. Chock-a-block (informal, British, adj): crammed full of people or things.
Calling all Chewsday Chatters...we're back and ready to talk!
Have you ever taken a phone call in English? How about an awkward phone call from your boss? Today we tackle some tricky conversations, and share some useful phone phrases!
Want a question answered? Ask us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com
Key Vocabulary BELOW
Part One...
Dabble (verb): to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest
Chubby (adjective): plump and rounded
Ostracised (verb): exclude from a society or group
(a) bargain (noun): a thing bought or offered for sale much more cheaply than is usual or expected
Sold down the river/ lead down the garden path (idioms): to be deceived
To be had (idiom; informal; British): to be tricked or conned
On the edge of one's seat (idiom): very excited and giving one's full attention to something.
On edge (phrase): tense, nervous, or irritable
To bring up / to be brought up (phrasal verb): to bring (a person) to maturity through nurturing care and education
Ditch (someone) (verb): abandon
Scammer (noun): a person who commits fraud or participates in a dishonest scheme
Wind up (phrasal verb; British; informal): If you wind someone up, you deliberately say things which annoy them
Wind down (phrasal verb; British; informal): (of a person) relax after stress or excitement
To cheese (someone) off (phrasal verb; British; informal): to annoy someone
Part Two (Worst situations over the phone**)...
To plug away (at something): to continue doing something even though it is difficult or boring These things happen (phrase):** used for telling someone not to be upset about something unpleasant that has happened or something bad that they have done
Put off (something) (phrasal verb): to delay doing something, especially because you do not want to do it I didn't catch (something)(idiom): means that you heard and understood part, but not all that was being spoken Could you repeat that? (expression): A polite way to ask for repetition Head (somewhere) (verb): go in a particular direction
Cut out (phrasal verb): used to mean the sound temporarily drops or the signal goes entirely
Loud and clear (collocation): used to signal one can clearly hear the speaker
Wet behind the ears (idiom): lacking maturity, naïve
Go ahead (phrasal verb): proceed
Can I leave a message (expression): a useful way to ask someone to share a message with another person
Part 3 (Idiom of the week)...To have a word with someone (idiom): to talk to someone about something you are not happy with
"I am going to have a word with him about his kid's behavour!"To talk someone into doing something (idiom): to persuade someone to do something
"I walked into the phone shop determined to buy an iPhone, but then the shop worker talked me into buying a Xiaomi phone!"
In today's episode we welcome a new friend of the pod, Lewis. We discuss the key differences between English in the North vs the South of England. Who's friendlier? Which accent is the most (and least attractive? Perhaps most importantly though, we quiz Chris to find out if he's really a Northerner or Southerner, with surprising results…
Notes Below→
Part One:
(English) Riviera (noun): a coastal region with a subtropical climate and vegetation
Quid (noun, informal): one pound sterling (GBP)
Southern Fairies (noun, informal): Someone from southern England, stereotyped as soft and pretentious.
Hard (British, informal, adj): (of a person) not showing any signs of weakness; tough
Northern Monkeys (noun, informal): Someone from northern England, stereotyped as uncouth and uncivilized.
Alright, luv? (British, informal, expression): A common greeting, particularly heard in the North of England; equivalent to ‘hello, how are you?’
Eyup (informal, British, expression): A common greeting, particularly heard in the North of the England; equivalent to ‘hello’
Long weekend (noun): a holiday period that includes one or more of the days preceding or following a weekend, in addition to the Saturday and Sunday
Geordie (British, informal, noun): a person from Tyneside in the north-east of England, e.g., Newcastle
Scouser (British, informal, noun): a person from Liverpool
Liverpudlian (noun): a native of Liverpool
Cockney (noun): a native of East London, traditionally one born within hearing of Bow Bells
Mockney (British, informal, noun): a form of speech regarded as an affected imitation of cockney in accent and vocabulary
Brummie (British, informal, noun): a person from Birmingham
Blushing (verb): red in the face from shyness, embarrassment, or shame
Emulate (verb): imitate, copy
I'm gannin yem (Newcastle, informal, expression): ‘I’m going home’
To put it on (British, informal, expression): to please or playfully deceive someone
Bloody (British, informal, verb): used to express anger, annoyance, or shock, or simply for emphasis; ‘very’
To nail it (idiom): expression used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something.
Part Two: What is Chris?
Giraffe (noun)
Book (noun)
Demand (noun)
Photograph (noun)
Example (noun)
Slander (verb)
Definitive (adj)
Part Three: Idiom of the week
Speak the same language (idiom): to share the same beliefs, ideas and opinions
“Despite the supposed North-South cultural divide, most people in England speak the same language”.
Mince one’s words (idiom): to speak bluntly and directly, without regard for someone else’s feelings.
“Your wife really doesn’t mince her words! Is my haircut really that bad?!”
In plain English (idiom): In clear, straightforward, and uncomplicated English.
“Stop overcomplicating these idioms, and explain the meanings in plain English!”
Picturesque (adj): of a place or building) visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
A blast (informal, noun): an enjoyable experience
A ball (informal, noun): an enjoyable experience
A special thanks to Lewis for joining us for today’s episode. Go check him out Instagram at @englishwithlewis***
Want to ask some questions? Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com
What do Chris & James enjoy about solo travelling? What are the best countries you can visit by yourself? What's the difference between a khaze and a commode? All shall be revealed in this week's Chewsday Chats!
Learn lots of commonly used vocab by following along with the notes below.
You can also now email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com
Episode Notes:
**Part one
Gorgeous (adj): beautiful; very attractive
I'll say! (informal, expression): used to indicate one completely agrees with what has just been said
Affair (noun): a sexual relationship between two people, one or both of whom are married to someone else
Pro (noun): an advantage or argument in favour of something
Con (noun): an disadvantage or argument in favour of something
Potter (verb): move or go in a casual way
Reminisce (verb): indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events
On the road (phrase): on a long journey or series of journeys
Tedious (adjective): too long, slow, and/or boring
Piss poor (British, expression): terrible
Doorstop (noun): an object which opens a door
Off the beaten track (idiom): in or into an isolated, less visited place
A different kettle of fish (idiom): If you say that something is a different kettle of fish, you mean that it is very different from another related thing that you are talking about.
Bucket list (informal, noun):** a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime
Part two
Give (someone) a hand (phrase): to help someone in an action or enterprise
Buggy (American, informal, noun): a shopping cart/ trolley
Trolley (British, noun): shopping cart
Cammode (American, informal, noun): toilet/bathroom
Popping / to pop (British, informal, verb): to go somewhere suddenly or for a short period of time
Khazi (British slang, noun): toilet
Doohickey (American, informal, noun): a small object or gadget, especially one whose precise name the speaker cannot recall
Thingy (British, slang, noun): a small object or gadget, especially one whose precise name the speaker cannot recall
Whatdoyoucallit (British, informal, noun): a small object or gadget, especially one whose precise name the speaker cannot recall
Icky (informal, noun): nasty or unpleasant
**Part three
To miss the boat (idiom): to fail to take advantage of an opportunity
"he didn't get his application in earlier, so he missed the boat!"
To jump on the bandwagon (idiom): to join others in doing something that is fashionable or going to be successful
"this hotel used to be so quiet, but it seems like everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and now it's too busy!"
Sticky toffee pudding: a delicious (but sweet) dessert
Nondescript (adjective): lacking distinctive features
Crumbly (adjective): consisting of or easily breaking into small fragments
Apple crumble: another delicious dessert
Custard: a dessert or sweet sauce made with milk and eggs, or milk and a proprietary powder
Join the fun! Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.comCheers,
C&J
Would you rather push a person onto a train or sniff their armpits? Would you rather be a professional apologiser or mourner? In this episode of the Chewsday Chats we explore the world of weird work!
Lots of new words and expressions can be found in the notes below -->
Get in touch with us: thechewsdaychats@gmail.com
Part One
workaholic (adj): a person who compulsively works excessively hard and long hours
knuckle down (phrasal verb) :apply oneself seriously to a task
swings and roundabouts (idiom): two choices or situations are basically the same because they have an equal number of advantages and disadvantages
wacky (adj, informal): funny or amusing in a slightly odd or peculiar way
a pretty penny (expression, British): very expensive
Wetherspoons (British, noun): a well-known, budget British pub chain
Clientele (noun): clients collectively
Karen (noun, slang): a pejorative term for a white woman perceived as entitled or demanding beyond the scope of what is normal.
Part Two:queue (verb, British): to wait in a line of people or vehicles
beef (noun, London slang): an argument or fight
argy bargy (expression, informal, British): a noisy argument or fight
between a rock and a hard place (idiom): to be forced to choose between two bad options
pop something (somewhere) (verb, informal, British): to put something quickly into something else
mourn (verb): feel or show sorrow for the death of (someone)
Part Three:
Snowed under (idiom): to be inundated with work or study
Pull one's socks up (idiom): make an effort to improve one's work, performance, or behaviour
What makes the Scottish different? Can James even understand Scottish English? In this episode, Chris & James chat all things Scotland and help you navigate the land of tartan kilts and bright orange fizzy drinks.
Part One
Bloody hell (informal, British): used to express anger, annoyance, or shock
Loch (noun, Scottish): a lake
Scenic (adj): providingA or relating to views of impressive or beautiful natural scenery
Strenuous (adj): requiring or using great effort or exertion
Toddler (noun): a young child who is just beginning to walk
Irn Bru (noun): the best drink on earth (if you ask a Scottish person)
Florescent (adj): vividly colourful
Och aye (expression, Scottish): Oh yes
Part TwoGonnae (verb, Scottish): going to
Cannae - Can't verb, Scottish): can't
I dinnae ken (Scottish): I don't know
You're just a wee bairn (Scottish): you're a small child
Wee (adj, Scottish): small
Yer bum's oot the windae (expression, Scottish): you are lying or exaggerating
Yer oot yer face (expression, Scottish): You're out of your face, meaning you are very intoxicated
Ma heid's mince (expression, Scottish): my head is mince, meaning I am confused
**Part Three
Right up one's street (idiom): something that appeals to someone
"I love a bit of whiskey, so I'm sure Scotland will be right up my street!"
Running on fumes (idiom): to continue to do something even if you are extremely tired or lacking in enthusiasm"When I got to the top of Ben Nevis, I was running on fumes and I needed to have a rest."
What do British people really think of the royal family? Is the UK monarchy the richest in the world? Does the queen own all of the country's swans? And, perhaps most importantly, which football team does the Queen support? As we head towards the Queen's 70-year Platinum Anniversary, we talk all things regal.
apologies in advance for the issues with the sound quality in this episode
In today's episode we welcome a very special guest onto the pod!
Ruwa is fluent in four languages already (Arabic, Spanish, Dutch, English) and is currently studying Italian and Japanese too. In this episode we cover the 'magic formula' for language learning, Ruwa's journey to becoming multilingual, the key differences between languages, and lots more!
Idiom of the WeekEat my hat (idiom): used to say that something will not happen or cannot be true
"I'll eat my hat if it snows today"Take (something) with a pinch of salt
Regard something as exaggerated; believe only part of something.
"Take everything I say with a pinch of salt" (Chris, 2022)
In today's episode we talk about dating in the UK! How best to find true love? What are some cheesy chat-up lines to attract/repel a partner? When will Jonathan pop the question? All this and more in the Chewsday Chats.
As always, notes are in the description 📝
Part One:
(Good/bad) chemistry (slang, noun): relates to feelings between people, especially friends and romantic interests
Can't hear myself think (phrase): you cannot give your attention to anything because there is so much noise
Stigma: a mark of shame or discredit
Mover and shaker (noun): a person who is active or influential in some field of endeavour
Vicariously (adverb): experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the experience of another
One-night stand (informal, noun): a sexual relationship lasting only one night
A fan of someone/something (idiom): To strongly like, appreciate, support, or be interested in someone or something.
Part Two:
Chat-up line 1: Do you know CPR? I hope so, because you took my breath away
Lock eyes (with someone) (idiom): used to say that someone is looking at someone or something and not looking at anything else
Chat-up line 2: Excuse me, is your name Google? Because you are everything I am looking for
Weirdo (informal, noun): a strange person
Badger (someone) (Verb): to harass or annoy persistently
Vexed (adjective): annoyed, frustrated, or worried
Chat-up line 3: Excuse me, you can go ahead and cancel that Uber, because I'm trying to pick you up.
Chat-up line 4: That looks heavy can I hold it for you... I mean your hand
Brace for (something) (verb): prepare (oneself) for something difficult or unpleasant
Clammy (adjective): unpleasantly damp and sticky or slimy to touch
Not dig (something) (idiom):to not understand, appreciate or like something
Chat-up line 5: So cute together! No, I'm not talking about our dogs...I'm talking about us.
Creep out (informal, phrasal verb): give someone an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease
Chat-up line 5: Wow you love dogs? I love dogs! I think we might be the paw-fect match!
**Part three:
Idiom One: Out of (one's) league:In a situation in which one is mismatched with one or more others whose accomplishments, preparedness, or other characteristics are on a significantly higher or lower level than one's own."**Your wife is way out of your league"
Idiom Two: To pop the question: propose marriage.
"Jonathon was dating his girlfriend for ten years, so I asked him, "when are you going to pop the question!?"
We discuss everything you need to know before heading to the 'boozer'. What can you do to avoid a hangover? How can you make sure you keep friends in the UK? Fancy a pint? Listen and learn 🇬🇧🍻
Key words below in the description 💁🏻♂️💁🏻♂️
Part One - the process of the pubBoozing (verb, British, informal): to drink alcohol, especially large quantities
Booze (noun, British, informal): alcoholic drink
Tipsy (adj, British, informal): a little drunk
Boozer (noun, British, informal): a pub
Dodgy (adjective, British, informal): suspicious, dishonest, unreliable
Shall we go for a pint? (phrase, British): common way to invite someone to go drinking
Fancy a pint? (phrase, British): common way to invite someone to go drinking
Pub crawl (phrase, British, informal): a tour taking in several pubs or drinking places
Pub golf: (phrase, British, informal): a tour taking in nine pubs dressed in golfing attire
Copious: (adjective): a lot, abundant in supply or quantity
Attire (adjective, formal): clothes
(to) hop (verb, informal): to go quickly from one place to another
Craic (adjective, Irish): fun
Round (noun, British): a set of alcoholic beverages purchased by one person in a group for that complete group
Faux pas (noun): an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation
Cheapskate (adjective, British, informal):a miserly person
Tight (adjective, British, informal):a miserly person
Stingy (adjective, British, informal):a miserly person
(a) night out (collocation, British): an evening spent outside of the home doing something fun
Part two- Friends down the pubPosh (adjective, British) : elegant, classy
How's things? (phrase, British): an alternative way to say 'how are you?'
Gasping (adjective, British, informal): to be desperate to obtain or consume; crave
Pop (verb, British, informal): to go somewhere (usually suddenly)
Spitting feathers (idiom): to feel thirsty / be angry
Twist my arm (phrase, British): pressurize someone into doing something that they are reluctant to do
Out and about (phrase, British): going to different places
Bump into (someone): (phrase, British): If you bump into someone you know, you meet them unexpectedly
Pint (568ml UK) (473ml USA): (noun) a measurement of fluid
It's my shout (Phrase, British): i.e. "it's my turn to buy everyone drinks"
Made of money (expression, British): having a lot of money
Half arsed (adjective, British): done with little effort or care; incompetent or inadequate
Part threeHair of the dog (idiom): An alcoholic drink taken to cure a hangover
"I'm feeling terrible, I think it is time for hair of the dog"
Drown your sorrows (idiom): Forget one's problems by getting drunk
"Let's go down the pub, I need to drown my sorrows"
What's it really like to live in England as a non-native speaker? This week we were delighted to be joined by special guest Heea Park from South Korea! We discuss why it is important experience a different way of life, the pros and cons of staying in a foreign country and we question Heea on her personal experiences of living and studying in London!
As always, key words are down below :)
Part One
Cut-off point (noun): the limit at which something is no longer applicable
Alien (adj): unfamiliar and disturbing
Perspective (noun): a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view
Ultra-processed food: food and drink products that have undergone a lot of specified types of food processing
Fresh in one's mind (idiom): remembered clearly by one
Pocket (noun): a small patch of something
Pop (verb, British): go somewhere for a short time, often without notice
Abso-bloody-lutely (adverb, humorous, British): emphatic or humorous form of absolutely
Part TwoBits and bobs (phrase, British): an assortment of small items
Mandatory (adj): required by law or mandate; compulsory
Lovely (adj, British): pleasant or enjoyable
RP (initialism, received pronunciation): a way of pronouncing British English that is often considered to be the standard accent
Riddled with (something) (expression, British): to be damaged or impaired by something
Part Three
To start from scratch (idiom): to start again,; to begin something completely new
"I wasn't happy living in England,. I had no money, no friends, no opportunities so I moved to Spain and started from scratch."
To be plain sailing (idiom): easy and without problems
"Before I moved to Tokyo I expected it to be difficult and complicated, but when I got there it was plain sailing!"
Which country has created the world's worst cheese? Is cheese actually healthy? And will Chris or James laugh first at the 'brie'lliant jokes in the cheesy joke-athon? All this and more covered in this week's Chewsday Chats.
You can slow down the playback speed if it helps with comprehension, and don't forget to check out the vocabulary & key expressions!
**Key Words & Expressions:
Part One**Abomination (noun): a thing that causes disgust or loathing
On a side note (phrase): Parenthetically or incidentally; by the way; in addition to but less important than what was just being discussed
Tainted by association (verb): If a person or thing is hampered by something bad or undesirable, their status or reputation is harmed because they are associated with it.
Chunk (of cheese): a thick, solid piece of something
Moreish (adj, informal British): so pleasant to eat that one wants more
(Something) nut (noun): a person who is excessively interested in or enthusiastic about a specified thing.
Part Two (the Cheese-off)Joke 1: What is the BBCs favourite TV channel? The Brie Brie C
Joke2 : What do you say to someone who is trying to steal your cheese? That is Na cho cheese!
Chortle (verb): laugh in a noisy, gleeful way
Joke 3: What did the cheese say when it looked in the mirror? Halloumi
Joke 4: What other kind of music does cheese listen to? R and Brie
Joke 5: What did the cheese say to the therapist? I camembert it any longer
Joke 6: Why did the chicken cross the road made of cheese? He wanted to feta the other side
Clincher (noun): a fact, argument, or event that settles a matter conclusively
Joke 7: Why didn't the cheese want to get sliced? It had grater plans
Nip (something) in the bud (phrase): suppress or destroy something at an early stage Part Three (Idiom of the week)
Cheesed off (British Informal): to be angry or irritated
"I was bloody cheesed off when my flight was cancelled at the last minute!"
Like chalk and cheese (British): fundamentally different or incompatible
"My friend and I are chalk and cheese, he likes football, whilst I like cooking!"
What type of biscuit goes best with a cuppa? Does the Queen or Sherlock Holmes enjoy Earl Grey tea? Why is tea such a popular drink in the UK? In this week's episode, Chris & James dive into the world of tea drinking.
Don't forget to check out the key words below!
Part One
Beaver away (phrasal verb, British): to work hard
National treasure (n): an artefact, institution, or public figure regarded as being emblematic of a nation's cultural heritage or identity
Posh (adj, informal British): elegant or stylishly luxurious
Cuppa (abbreviation): cup of tea
Dunk (verb): to dip (bread or other food) into a drink or soup before eating it.
Knocking about (phrasal verb, British): to spend time with someone or to have something lying around one’s house
Naff (adj, informal British): lacking in style or good taste
Part Two
Dubious (adj): suspicious, untrustworthy
Partial to [something] (idiom): : liking something or someone very much and usually more than other things or people
To live a sheltered life (phrase): to have a life in which you are protected too much and experience very little danger
Part Three
A storm in a teacup (idiom): used to describe when people talk about a small event or problem as if it were a big tragedy
“James’ complaints about the wedding cake was a storm in a teacup”
As good as a chocolate teapot (idiom): to describe something with no use
“Chris, your plan is as good as a chocolate teapot!”
In this week’s episode Chris and James explore how English has borrowed words from languages from all around the world. We ask what is in the water over in South Korea? Plus, Chris is quizzed on the origin of English words: is the ‘noodle’ really from China? Where did shampoo originate? Which language gave us the word alcohol? All this and more in the Chewsday Chats!
Part One
Panache (noun): flamboyant confidence of style or manner
Faux pas (noun): an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation
Butcher [something]: (verb, informal British): to spoil something completely by perfuming or dealing with it very badly
Something in the water (idiom): used to describe when there are many people doing a particular thing
Exploded (verb): increase suddenly in size, number or extent
Out and about (idiom): going to different places
Jam-packed (adjective, informal): full of people or things that are pushed closely together
Chock-a-block (adjective, informal British): crammed full of people or things
Part Two
Derive from (verb): obtain something from (a specified source)
Double bluff (noun British): a clever attempt to deceive someone, especially by telling the truth when they think you are telling lies
Pass away (verb): to go out of existence
Pinch (verb, informal British): to steal
Throw [someone] (verb): to confuse or perplex someone
Egg on one’s face (idiom British informal): to look stupid because of something that has been done
Part Three
Speak the same language (idiom): to have similar ideas and similar ways of expressing them
Ex: “me and my friend don’t speak the same language when it comes to politics”
Speak someone’s language (idiom): to say something or communicate in a way that aligns with one’s preferences, desires, motivations, etc.
Ex: “Shall we go and grab a beer? Oh now you’re speaking my language!”
Abso-bloody-lutely (adverb, informal British): informal or humorous form of absolutely
In this week’s (belated) episode, Chris and James discuss all things related to money. Can money really buy you happiness? What purchases have caused the most regret? Why was James allegedly on the front cover of a national newspaper? All this and more are covered in today’s Chewsday Chats!
(all today’s vocabulary is listed in running order)
Part One
Life admin (informal, British): Refers to one's personal day-to-day chores that are of an administrative nature.
Adulting (noun, informal): the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.
Befriend: (verb): act as or become a friend to (someone), especially when they are in need of help or support.
To hammer home (idiom): To repeatedly emphasise something
Keep [something] under wraps (idiom, informal): keep something secret
Fellow (noun, informal, British): a man
Combo (noun, informal, American): a combination
Handy (adjective): useful)
Fall of one’s chair (idiom): to react with great shock or surprise
Smells fishy (idiom): seems suspicious
Costs a pretty penny (idiom, British): To be very expensive
Cost a bomb (idiom, British) To be very expensive
Knock [something] out of the park (idiom, informal, British): to do something much better than someone else, or to be much better than someone or something else
Pricey (adjective, informal, British): expensive
Part Two
Tipsy (adjective, informal, British): slightly drunk
Graze (noun): a slight injury where the skin is scraped.
Paparazzi (noun): a freelance photographer who pursues celebrities to get photographs of them
Gutter press (noun, British): derogatory term relating to reporters or newspapers engaging in sensational journalism, especially accounts of the private lives of public figures
Let [someone] off the hook (idiom): to allow someone who has been caught doing something wrong to go unpunished
Pinch/nick (verb, informal, British): to steal
Quid (noun, informal, British): a pound sterling
A kitty (noun): a fund of money for communal use
A monkey (noun, informal, British): London Cockney Rhyming Slang for £500
A pony (noun, informal, British): London Cockney Rhyming Slang for £25
A score (noun, informal, British): £20
Part Three
To feel the pinch (idiom): experience hardship, especially financial
Ex: “I don’t have much work at the moment, so I am starting to feel the pinch!”
Frugal (adjective): sparing or economical as regards money or foo
Bargain-hunting (noun): the act of shopping for items sold at cheap, especially discounted, prices
Penny-pinching (noun): unwilling to spend money, miserly
To cut one’s losses (idiom): to stop an activity, business, etc., that is failing in order to prevent more losses or damage
Ex: “I kept losing at the casino, so I decided to cut my losses and head home.”
See you next week!
The world of celebrity stardom seems appealing, but what do Harry Styles and Chris think? In this episode we discuss celebrity culture and what it really is like being famous and recognised everywhere you go!
**Key Vocabulary
Part One**AKA (initialism): meaning 'also known as'
Average Joe (n): an average person
Crème de la crème (n): the best of a particular kind
Dive (n, informal): a shabby or sleazy bar or establishment
Grungy (adj, informal): grimy, dirtyHide [something] in plain side (phrase): in a place that is clearly visible
Limelight (n): gaining public attention
[someone's] take on [something] (phrase): opinion or attitude about a situation
Trendy (adj): fashionable, stylish
Whisked away (phrasal verb): to take away quickly and suddenly
Z-lister (n, informal): someone who is on the lowest rung of stardom
Part TwoCulprit(n): a person who has committed a crime or other misdeed
Gloomy (adj)to appear depressing or frightening
Glum (adj) looking or feeling dejected
Goldfish bowl (idiom): to be firmly in the public eye
Gripped (v): firmly hold the attention of Effing and jeffing (phrase, British): refers to the act of swearing
Whinge (v, British): complain persistently in an irritating way
Part ThreeA one-trick pony (idiom): a person with only one talent or area of expertise
"Adele is a one-trick pony, she only ever sings soppy power ballads!"In the public eye (idiom): to be known or of interest to the general public
"I would hate to be in the public eye, as you have to be careful all the time!"Soppy (adj, informal):to be self-indulgently sentimental
Is learning all types of English actually important? Which American words annoy Chris and James? Does a Canuck fly or eat Maple syrup? Does a toque keep your head or neck warm?
Join us on a journey exploring different forms of English from around the world, taking on Kiera's quiz on common Canadian words along the way.
Key vocabulary:
Part 1
(to get) bogged down in X (phrasal verb): to become so involved in something difficult or complicated that you cannot do anything else
bloke (noun, informal, British): a man
chock-a-block (adj informal, British) - very busy (with people or things)
cringe (verb): to experience an inward shiver of embarrassment
day and age (idiom): at the present time
dude (noun, informal, American English): a friend
geezer bloke (noun, informal, British): a man
mate (noun, informal, British): a friend
parlance (noun): a particular way of speaking/using words
rankle (verb): to cause continuing annoyance
Part 2
Canuck (noun, informal Canadian English): a Canadian
fag (adj informal, British) - a cigarette
gobsmacked (adj informal, British) - very shocked
loonie (noun, informal Canadian English): a dollar coin
Toque (noun, informal Canadian English): a winter cap/ beanie hat
Part 3
Wrap one's head around something (idiom): to try to understand something
"I am trying to wrap my head around algebra for my upcoming exam."
Get out of hand (idiom): not under control
"this protest is really getting out of hand!"
Time to go on holiday with Chris & James!
What is your dream getaway? Would you rather miss your flight or lose your luggage? Would you rather travel Asia on a shoestring or cruise around the Caribbean? Find out our answers and join the fun in this episode!
Key Vocabulary:
Part 1:
Let's talk holidaysA getaway (n informal): a short holiday
Iffy (adj informal): of doubtful quality or legality
Rugged (adj): (of ground or terrain) having a broken, rocky, and uneven surface
Scorching (adj): very hot
Part 2:
Would you Rather?
A chinwag/ a natter (n informal, British): a chat
Hop on (phrasal verb): to get in/out of a vehicle quickly
Luggage (n): suitcases or other bags for travelling
On a shoestring (informal): doing something with very little money
Rub shoulders (informal): to meet and talk with someone in a friendly way
Part 3:
Idiom(s) of the week
Let your hair down (idiom): to relax "at the weekend I like to let me hair down by going to the cinema!"
No spring chickens (idiom): no longer young
Broaden your horizons (idiom) "I went travelling overseas to broaden my horizons!"
In this week's episode we discuss all things British.
Do British people actually love queueing? Why don't British people use umbrellas? Are British people big tea drinkers? Listen to find out!
key vocabulary:
an orderly fashion (collocation): it is done in a well-organized and controlled way
beg to differ (phrase): politely disagree
bloody hell (phrase) (British informal): used to express surprise, outrage or frustration
bloody Nora (phrase) (British informal): used to express surprise, outrage or frustration
brolly (n) (informal British): slang term for 'umbrella'
clock (v) (British Informal): to notice something
conundrum (n): a confusing or difficult problem
dead (adverb) (British informal): very
get on (phrasal verb): getting late
Gordan Bennett (idiom) (British informal): used to express surprise, outrage or frustration
once in a blue moon (idiom): refers to something that is very rare
posh (adj) (British): elegant or luxurious
queue (n/v) (British): a line or sequence of people or vehicles awaiting in a line
tatties (n) (British slang): potatoes
words used to describe weather:
drizzle (v): light rain falling in very fine drops
spit (v): used to describe rain when it has just started, usually when the rain is still very light
soaked (adj): extremely wet
raining cats and dogs (idiom): very hard rain
overcast (adj): when the sky is covered by a grey cloud
idiom(s) of the week:
take the mickey/piss (informal British): to tease or ridicule someone
bodge job: a job that was completed quickly and carelessly
See you next Tuesday!
In this episode we discuss different British dishes with the help of Adele!
Below are some of the key words and phrases covered in the session:
Part 1
1a. Many adjectives used to describe food follow the structure noun + y
Examples:
Sugar + y = sugary Oil + y = oily
Salt + y = salty
Lemon + y = lemony
Sponge + y = spongey
Crunch+y = crunchy
Spice+y = spicy
Chew+y = chewy
Milk+y = Milky
1b. There are many verbs to discuss eating food quickly, though relatively fewer to describe eating slowly (I wonder why?).
Examples:
How to describe eating quickly:
To devour
To wolf down
To pig out
How to describe eating slowly (to enjoy the taste):
To savour
1c.
We discussed alternative ways to describe likes/dislikes. Examples:
I’m keen/ not keen on
I’m a fan/ not a fan of
Part 2
2.a Adele discussed the following British food:
Pickled egg
Cockles
Jellied eel
Smoked Mackerel
Kippers
Roast dinner
Pork pie
Other vocabulary used:
Minging (adj slang): disgusting
A delicacy (noun): usually a rare or expensive food item that is considered highly desirable, sophisticated or peculiarly distinctive, within a given culture. (often used with a country modifier, e.g. “a Japanese delicacy”)
A foodie (noun informal): someone with a particular interest in food/eating
Stinky (adj slang): smells bad
Buttery (adj): similar to butter in texture and/or taste
Fishy (adj): related to/ resembling fish
Posh (adj): elegant or stylishly luxurious
Bog-standard (adj): very ordinary or basic
A chip butty (noun informal): a chip sandwich
Part 3
3.a Idioms of the week
A piece of cake = use to describe something as being easy.
Example: “Spanish is a piece of cake”
[something] is not my cup of tea = use to deescribe something you don’t like.
Example: “cricket is not my cup of tea”
Leave a comment if you have any questions, and see you next Tuesday :)
Cheers,
Chris & James